Two little blokes to the rescue as bowlers wobble

Australia have been clamouring for a challenge, and in the past few days their opponents have obliged. John Buchanan wanted pressure to be put on the bowlers, and the visiting batsmen have answered his call.

On Friday, England reached 292. Yesterday, on a larger field and against livelier bowling, the Kiwis mustered 290. Quite enough to test the batsmen as well. Suffice it to say the test was passed as the fourth wicket pair rose spendidly to the occasion. After a summer of domination, the hosts have met some sturdy resistance.

Actually, it could have been worse at the MCG. It took nine overs of presentable slowies from a part-timer to keep the Kiwis below 300. Although the sun was shining and the pitch hospitable, there were unmistakable signs the Australians were fraying at the edges.

It is hardly surprising. After all, it is difficult to maintain standards throughout a long campaign. Moreover, Australia have already reached the finals of this competition. Also the side may be slightly overcooked - the recent rash of injuries suggests as much. Ripeness is all. And credit must be given to the opposition, especially a capable New Zealand outfit that continues to play fine cricket.

Australia's attack was unthreatening. Apart from Shaun Tait, who was used in short bursts and responded with several withering and accurate stints, the pacemen had little joy. Not that they bowled all that badly. Overall, their work was an improvement on the lame offerings sent down in the name of the country two days previously. Mitchell Johnson was left nursing worse figures than he seemed to deserve, as did Brett Lee. Stuart Clark sent down some tough overs and tried some of the variations he has been practising. Even so, he seems the least convincing of those seeking regular places in Australia's 50-over team.

Confident against pace, the Kiwis were slowed by the spinners, revealing a weak point in their upbringing. By and large Kiwis are great educationalists. Latin and logarithms are nothing to them. Unfortunately, aspiring batsmen are not taught to use their feet against spin. Quick footwork ought to be drummed into youngsters until it becomes second nature. Instead, these seniors tried to improvise, and an opportunity was missed to expose the limitations of the home line-up.

Not that Michael Clarke gave the batsmen any gifts. Taking advantage of a docile surface and large boundaries, he sent down nine accurate overs of left-arm slowies and emerged relatively unscathed, an intervention that curtailed the Kiwis at a critical time.

Although not the sort of tweaker to beat the outside edge, Clarke does not send down much dross. Not once did he drop short. Not once was he cut or pulled. Instead, he kept the ball full and straight, a combination that forces batsmen to make the play.

Clarke's success confirmed that flexibility is needed in matters of selection. Brad Hogg has been bowling well and can take wickets. He has been missed these past few days. Clarke's development as a bowler, the product of hard work in the nets, partly made up for Hogg's absence but a case can be made for using Hogg on surfaces of this sort. Australia ought not to get locked into the strategy of choosing four specialist fast bowlers in all conditions. Sometimes an attacking spinner has a part to play.

Of the Kiwis, Lou Vincent led the way with another fine exhibition. Always it is wise to attack in Australia where the same brand of cricket is played in backyards and great stadiums. In recent weeks, a few players have dared to confront the Aussies on their own turf. Paul Nixon has been barking away like a sergeant-major with a sore toe. Vincent has also stirred the possum, and the self-imposed pressure did not inhibit his strokeplay. Aggression is the key to prospering Down Under. A man must give as good as he gets.

Vincent has been impressive. A sound cutter, glider and clouter, he is about five times as effective on firm pitches as upon the dumplings sometimes encountered in his homeland. Here, he advanced with crisp drives and deft placements in a telling contribution that set the tone for the entire innings. Nor did his comrades let him down.

At last Australia had been given something to think about. It took a superb partnership between two little fellas with big hearts to save the day.